Take Care When Caring for Wool

Wool is a popular sweater fabric because it is durable, comfortable, and an excellent insulator. If your wool sweater gets damp, hang it to air dry at room temperature. Do not hang near a heat source, as this will promote mildew. A gentle brushing of wool sweaters after each wearing helps remove surface soil.

If the care label suggests hand washing, use cool water with mild soap or bleach-free detergent. Soak up to five minutes and rinse thoroughly. Squeeze out excess water, but do not wring or twist the fabric. To dry, lay the sweater flat, away from sunlight or heat. If using a plastic sweater board as a drying surface, covering the board with a towel (under the sweater) will help prevent snagging.

If the care label suggests machine washing, use the gentle cycle. Bring your wools, or any sweater with “dry clean-only” label, to us for stain removal.

Customer Question: Getting Ready for Winter Weather

Q. How do you clean winter accessories, such as gloves, hats, and scarves?

A. Remember last spring when you bagged your hats, gloves, and scarves and put them in the back of your closet? Well, now it’s time to get them out and ready for another winter. If inspection shows they were put away in a soiled condition, now is the time to clean them.

If care labels are present, follow instructions carefully. Many synthetics, as well as cottons and wools, are hand or machine washable. If tumble drying is recommended, use a low temperature setting.

Wool, fur, and leather accessories may require our assistance. These materials require special cleaning and finishing procedures. Any known stains should be pointed out when you leave them with us. Most items will clean beautifully, but accessories, particularly gloves, are exposed to many staining substances that cannot be removed.

Care Label Facts: Polar Fleece

With autumn upon us and temperatures dropping, people are adding an extra layer of clothing in the morning as they prepare for their morning commutes—outerwear. A popular type of outerwear is polar fleece. Polar fleece fabrics are made of a knit construction with a brushed or napped finish.

Because of the nature of the fabric construction, garments made from this fabric have a tendency to pill during wear and handling. No matter what care procedure is recommended— dry cleaning or washing—clean polar fleece in a net bag to minimize further pilling. To smooth the nap and improve the appearance of the garment after cleaning, use a soft brush during finishing.